The Hillsdale County Fair, known as “the most popular fair on earth,” returned this year with a few changes including a new ride company and canceled poultry exhibits, but still featured favorite attractions such as the Livestock Birthing Tent, retro concerts, and fried food.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture canceled all poultry showcases in Michigan county fairs due to concerns of avian influenza.
Hillsdale County Fair Manager Scott Dow said he wishes the full exhibits could be open to the public and encouraged local farmers to enter them next year.
“We are hopeful that this is a one-year absence from the fair,” Dow said. “A lot of youth and adults exhibit poultry at the fair annually.”
The Skerbeck Family Carnival Company, based out of Escanaba, Michigan, replaced the previous Hillsdale County Fair amusement park provider, Mid-America Shows, due to staffing issues. Skerbeck office manager Carly Vertz said the company was excited for the opportunity.
“The previous company came to us asking if we could cover the event for them,” Vertz explained. “It was a logistical issue with staffing, so we stepped up and are honored to be bringing the fun to Hillsdale.”
The Livestock Birthing Tent, the highest-attended exhibit, was packed with crowds reaching for a chance to touch newborn calves and other domestic animals.
“This is an educational exhibit and by far one of the most-attended displays on the fairgrounds,” Dow said.
Dow also expressed his excitement about the opening concert of the fair, “Your Generation,” which featured nine-member band Fifty Amp Fuse performing everything from ’60s classic rock to modern British pop.
College students also enjoyed a variety of fried food ranging from funnel cakes to fried Oreos.
“The food is really great, especially the ‘fries sampler.’ Nothing goes better with good concerts like good food,” said junior Hannah Nicholson.
The Hillsdale County Fair runs until Saturday with major grandstands events such as the industrial tractor pull on Friday and the miniature pony pull on Saturday.
